Kaiser, Boeing in recycling partnership

NEW YORK  Kaiser Aluminum Corp. and Boeing Co. have formed a closed-loop scrap recycling program that is expected to capture about 22 million pounds of aluminum alloy scrap over the next two years.

The program aims to capture 2000- and 7000-series aluminum alloy scrap generated at multiple facilities operated by Chicago-based Boeing during the 2014-15 commercial aircraft production cycle. The scrap will then be remelted and utilized in production of aerospace sheet and plate at Kaisers facility in Spokane, Wash.

The partnership wont impact Kaisers other customers, "as this is an enhancement to the overall value stream for Boeing and Kaiser," a company spokesman told AMM, adding that no added infrastructure was needed to handle increased flow of material.

"The recycling agreement illustrates our collaborative relationship with Boeing," Kaiser chairman, president and chief executive officer Jack A. Hockema said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to develop opportunities with our customers to enhance the efficiency of the overall value stream."

The Foothill Ranch, Calif.-based company established a similar program with Pittsburgh-based Alcoa Inc. in June (amm.com, June 19), estimating that about 8 million pounds of aluminum scrap would be recycled annually as a result of the partnership.

"Boeing is focused on reducing the environmental footprint of commercial aviation through the aircrafts life cycle, which includes working with suppliers to increase materials recyclability and reduce manufacturing waste," John Byrne, vice president of Boeing Aircraft Materials and Structures, said in the statement.